Præsten Rasmus Garboe 1784 - 1785

Curator: This is J.F. Clemens' engraving "Præsten Rasmus Garboe" made between 1784 and 1785. It's housed at the SMK in Copenhagen. The precision is striking. Editor: Indeed, it’s a beautifully rendered portrait. What particularly grabs me is the almost photographic detail achieved solely through engraving. How do you interpret this work, considering its materials and the era in which it was created? Curator: Given its Neoclassical leanings, it's tempting to focus on its historical significance. However, for me, it's about the production itself. The material of the print, the engraver's labor…these are integral. Editor: So, you're focusing on the print as a *thing*, an object produced through skilled labour? Curator: Exactly. The very act of engraving, the meticulous work involved, and how that relates to the dissemination of information, is central. Think about who could afford this portrait. How was it distributed? The labor and economics of art intersect here. Editor: That's a fascinating lens. I tend to think about the sitter, Rasmus Garboe, his role, and the ideals the artist was trying to project onto him, but thinking about it from your point of view adds so many other possibilities. Curator: It’s crucial to remember that artistic vision is not divorced from the material world. Understanding the 'how' and 'why' of production illuminates much about the artwork's reception. Editor: It definitely makes me think about the role of prints and engravings in the 18th century—the print being both art object and tool for information distribution. Thanks for expanding my perspective. Curator: A useful point of inquiry and a pertinent thing to consider for any study of historical image-making.